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If you need a sturdy tool to trim a lawn’s edges or tackle overgrown weeds, a battery trimmer might be a wise investment. Cordless grass trimmers offer similar performance to gas string trimmers, and they’re quieter, less polluting, and more mobile than corded electric lawn trimmers.
To determine which battery-powered trimmers were best, we tested a dozen highly rated models doing different tasks, such as edging a lawn, trimming fence lines, and cutting down overgrown ditch weeds.
Ideally, the best string trimmer should be lightweight, durable, and easy to operate. The string line should advance smoothly, and the user shouldn’t need to frequently stop and untangle the line. It also has to produce enough cutting force to buzz through grass and chop down coarse weeds and light brush. We like the Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer the most out of this lineup for its smooth but powerful cutting performance on a variety of greenery.
That said, since some models excel at the lightweight and easy-to-use aspect, and others perform the heavy-duty jobs better, it’s important to match your needs to the tool’s strengths. Ahead, we will offer our observations from testing these popular models in order to help you find the best battery trimmer for your landscaping needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DeWalt 60V MAX 17″ Brushless String Trimmer Kit
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
- BEST LOADING SYSTEM: Ego Power+ ST1511T 15″ Powerload String Trimmer
- BEST CONTROL OPTIONS: Makita 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
- BEST DUAL-DIRECTION: Husqvarna 320iL Weed Eater Kit
- BEST TRIMMER/EDGER COMBO: Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer With Quik-Lok
- BEST EXPANDABLE: Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15″ String Trimmer Kit
- BEST FOR OPEN SPACES: Greenworks 60V 17″ Carbon Fiber Shaft Battery Trimmer
How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers
We were picky when selecting the battery-powered weed eaters for testing. We considered the brand; after all, Makita and DeWalt are well-respected players in the power tool industry. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate up-and-comers like Greenworks and Ryobi, who are making exciting waves in battery-powered technology. We took brand reputation, user reviews, and our own experience with similar tools to select the products we wanted to test.
Before testing, we assembled the weed trimmers and charged the batteries. Most arrived with batteries that were about 25 percent charged right out of the box, but a full charge allowed us to gauge runtime at full power. Although some of the trimmers offer reduced power settings that extend runtime, we found the lower settings also reduced performance on coarse weeds, so we ran them at full power for testing.
We put each tool through its paces in several real-yard scenarios, such as trimming “clean” lawn grass, weedy grass, and natural areas replete with coarse, weedy seedlings and vines. To earn a spot in our lineup, the lightweight 20-volt (V) trimmers we tested had to deliver a crisp cut in both clean and weedy grass sections.
In addition to trimming the grass zones, we used the 36V, 56V, and 80V models to cut through woody, viny growth in natural areas. We also noted battery runtime, maneuverability, and operator comfort. We scored each model using a rubric to help determine the best battery trimmer by category.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: 20+
- Tests performed: 4
- Price range: $95 to $600
Our Top Picks
The following reviews will walk through the key features of each cordless string trimmer and detail how the models performed in our backyard tests.
Best Overall
Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 36V 4.0-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion
- Runtime: 25 minutes
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
What We Like
- Excellent power and performance
- Useful safety features, such as throttle trigger interlock
- Compatible with 0.095- and 0.105-inch weed eater string
- Adjustable loop handle fits operators of different sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter runtime than others in the test group
A bit beefier than the Stihl FSA 60 R battery trimmer we tested in the past, the FSA 80 R is one of the best string trimmers in Stihl’s battery-powered residential tool lineup. It comes equipped with a 36V 4 Ah lithium-ion battery and a bump-advance string trimmer head that works with either 0.095- or 0.105-inch weed eater string. This battery grass trimmer features a variable-speed throttle trigger and a loop handle with a quick-release function for fast, tool-free adjustments. In standard cutting conditions, the FSA 80 R runs up to 25 minutes per charge. The included charger replenishes the AK 20 battery in 180 minutes.
Although it had a relatively short runtime per charge, the FSA 80 grass trimmer ran long enough for us to take care of our routine lawn maintenance needs. The motor and trimmer head ran smooth and strong in our tests, producing very little vibration. The trimmer cut crisp, clean edges in the grassy areas, and in the weedy patches, it easily tore through coarse vegetation, vines, and woody stems up to ¼ inch thick. The adjustable forward handle made it easy to get a comfortable fit no matter who was operating. This is an ideal option for general suburban yard maintenance.
Get the Stihl battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
Our Ratings: Power 4/5; Performance 3/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 20V 2.0Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 25 minutes
- Weight: 8 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Compact design with adjustable handle
- Easy-feed trimmer string system
- Wheeled support simplifies trimming and edging
What We Don’t Like
- Brushed motor drains batteries faster than brushless
- Taller users may have to stoop during use
Reliable lawn equipment doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg. Black+Decker’s compact EasyFeed trimmer/edger is one of the most affordable models around, and it offers enough trimming power and runtime to maintain a small yard.
This battery-powered electric weed eater is designed to clip grass quickly, and once the job is done, it stows away in a tiny amount of space. It features a pistol-style throttle grip, an adjustable forward loop handle, and a telescoping shaft for easy height adjustment. It also has a rotating head that allows you to transition from a horizontal weed-eating position to a vertical edging configuration without having to hold the grips upside down. When it’s in the edging position, you get the added benefit of a wheel for added support.
Although the Black+Decker offered significantly less cutting power than the other tools in our test group, it did a fine job on our lawn grass. The handles were comfortable, and we appreciated the push-button line feed (as opposed to a traditional bump-advance trimmer head). Our two testers—one over 6 feet tall and the other under 5.5 feet tall—both found it comfortable and easy to use without undue strain, bending, stooping, or lifting.
Get the Black+Decker battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target.
Best Heavy-Duty
DeWalt 60V MAX 17" Brushless String Trimmer Kit
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 60V 3 Ah FlexVolt lithium-ion
- Runtime: 40 minutes
- Weight: 12.95 pounds
What We Like
- Outstanding power for clearing overgrown weeds and brush
- Works with 0.080-or 0.095-inch trimmer line
- Excellent runtime for typical grass trimming
What We Don’t Like
- Fairly heavy; no shoulder strap included
- Noisy operation, especially when initially triggering
When an established leader in pro-grade cordless hand tools enters the lawn care category, shoppers will want to take note. The DeWalt battery trimmer packs a heavy-duty brushless motor powered by a 60V 3 Ah FlexVolt lithium-ion battery that lets it tear through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge.
This attachment-capable trimmer comes equipped with a straight shaft and rapid-loading adjustable spool. It uses 0.080-inch trimmer line to cut either a 15-inch or 17-inch swath. A safety switch in the grip prevents accidental starts. To adjust the trimmer to the task at hand, users can select high or low power and control the trimming revolutions per minute with a variable-speed trigger. The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer attachment with a variety of other tool heads, including an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and more.
The DeWalt battery grass cutter was one of the heaviest we tested but also the most powerful. With the standard 0.080-inch trimmer line that came prespooled, this tool had no trouble weed wacking grass, thin tree seedlings, and even tough blackberry canes. In low-power mode, it offered more cutting force than the high-power setting of most others we tested. To be honest, high power was too much for many of our applications, so we also tested it thoroughly on low-power mode. It ran about 40 minutes on high and about 60 on low.
Other than its heavy weight, the only negative point we have to offer is the noise. The trimmer is loud in general, but when initially triggering or feathering the trigger, it makes an even louder whine/whistle sound. Still, considering its power and runtime, it’s a very impressive tool at a fair price. This trimmer is a good choice for maintaining large properties or cleaning up overgrown areas.
Get the DeWalt battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.
Best for Large Yards
Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 56V 2.5Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 56 minutes
- Weight: 9.75 pounds
What We Like
- Excellent price considering its power and runtime
- Wide-cutting swath and enough power for large properties
- Rapid charging system; charges in under 40 minutes
What We Don’t Like
- Forward-heavy design detracts from lightweight construction
A wide-cutting swath, extended runtime, and powerful trimming ability make the Echo DSRM-2100 eForce an excellent choice for large yards. Driven by a brushless motor, the straight-shaft trimmer is powered by a 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that provides up to 56 minutes of powerful performance, rivaling traditional 2-cycle trimmers. It cuts a 16-inch-wide swath to get the job done efficiently.
This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight choice considering its robust power. It features battery-saving power settings for different cutting conditions, a variable-speed trigger, and a cushioned handle grip for comfort. The Speed-Feed cutting head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly.
The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an excellent value for large-property maintenance. In our tests, the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWalt trimmer, but it was still very capable. In high-power mode, it trimmed for about 40 minutes. The above-average power and wide swath meant that in 40 minutes with the Echo, we were able to complete work that other trimmers would need an hour to accomplish. The noise level was good, and reloading was fast and easy.
This trimmer could have scored higher with improved balance. Although it is a lightweight trimmer overall, the majority of its weight is concentrated at the working end. The heavy cutting head forces the operator to compensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downward on the rear handle while working. We tested it with the 2.5 Ah battery, which comes standard. Working with the available 5 Ah battery (sold separately) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling its runtime and increasing its overall weight.
Get the Echo battery trimmer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Loading System
Ego Power+ ST1511T 15" Powerload String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 10.3 pounds
What We Like
- Auto-loading trimmer head reduces downtime while working
- Adjustable telescoping straight shaft provides a custom fit
- Excellent power and runtime considering the price
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy; less forward weight to keep head down
- Bulky battery makes extended use tiring
Ego Power+ has made a name for itself in the outdoor power equipment category by building an affordable line of battery-powered tools that compete favorably against old-fashioned 2-cycle gas-powered equipment. This 15-inch Ego trimmer proved to be powerful, clean, and quiet in testing. The 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, with a recharging time of just 50 minutes. The bump-feed trimmer head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line for more cutting force and less noise. The unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds, and taller users will appreciate the straight shaft design.
In our tests, the Ego battery-powered weed eater showed ample power to cut through everything in its path, including overgrown grass, privet seedlings, and honeysuckle vines. With the heavy battery in the back offset by the long, straight shaft, the trimmer’s well-balanced design made it comfortable to work with and more maneuverable than others we tested. Our only caveat: for seasonal yard cleanup or maintaining larger landscapes, the 45-minute maximum runtime may not be quite enough.
Get the Ego Power+ battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Control Options
Makita 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 18V 5Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 60 minutes
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
What We Like
- Battery runs longer than it takes to charge
- Includes a second set of batteries
- Sufficiently powerful performance for tough trimming jobs
What We Don’t Like
- Debris guard doesn’t offer operator full protection
- Bump head requires hard strikes to release line
The Makita string trimmer is a premium option well suited to keeping lawns and gardens under control. It can handle large yards, offering enough power to tackle dense weed growth. This cordless string trimmer comes with four 18V 5.0 Ah batteries, so you’re not likely to run out of power. Shoppers can purchase this model as a kit that includes a dual battery charger and two sets of batteries, or as a “tool only” for those who already have items from the Makita 18V tool platform.
With a long, straight shaft and high-power cutting head, this 10.4-pound trimmer feels like a pro-quality tool. It was well balanced and precise while trimming around shrubs and between obstacles. It had plenty of power to cut through tough vegetation—though not quite as much as a brush cutter. In our tests, it made nice clean cuts and crisp edges in the grassy areas and tore through weedy privet seedlings and honeysuckle vines without hesitation. It’s an excellent candidate to replace gas equipment for medium to large landscapes, though the price may be high for budget-minded shoppers.
Get the Makita battery trimmer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Dual-Direction
Husqvarna 320iL Weed Eater Kit
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 40V 4Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 10.1 pounds
What We Like
- Dual-direction trimmer head leaves clippings where desired
- Excellent balance for comfortable extended use and less fatigue
- Among the quietest of the trimmers we tested
What We Don’t Like
- We found the number of controls to be excessive
- Not adequate for heavy-duty trimming
One limiting factor of most string trimmers is the cutting head’s direction of rotation, which matters more than one might think. The direction of rotation determines where the clippings will go and, in some situations, how the user should grip the trimmer. The Husqvarna 320iL offers a solution thanks to its dual-direction cutting head. At the touch of a button, we were able to switch from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation and back without changing our grip on the handles.
This straight-shaft trimmer is powered by an efficient brushless motor and 40V 4.0 Ah battery that provides about 45 minutes of runtime per charge. It features a rapid-load cutting head that comes prespooled with 0.080-inch trimmer line and cuts a 16-inch swath. Low-vibration technology improves operator comfort, and the machine weighs in at just over 10 pounds with the battery.
The Husqvarna 320iL ranked near the top of the test group in terms of user comfort and quiet operation, but its power was somewhat underwhelming after the big showing from the DeWalt trimmer. We were super impressed with the dual-direction feature. It allowed us to use the trimmer right- or left-handed, and we were able to trim curb lines safely from either direction without standing in the street. In high-power mode, the trimmer performed lawn-trimming duties superbly, but in heavy weeds and natural areas, it could not keep up with the more powerful trimmers.
Barring those who plan on truly getting into the weeds, so to speak, this trimmer is a fantastic choice for most people. Its balance is impeccable. And for quiet operation, this one takes the gold medal. The only real question regarding comfort and control was, why so many buttons? Its four thumb-operated buttons control on/off, high/low power, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation.
Get the Husqvarna battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Trimmer/Edger Combo
Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer With Quik-Lok
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 18V 8.0Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 12.3 pounds
What We Like
- Compatible with Quik-Lok attachments
- Cuts both clean grass and weedy, viny areas
- Users can swap Milwaukee M18 batteries to extend runtime
What We Don’t Like
- 12.3 pounds; might be heavy for some users
If you’re looking for power and versatility, it’s tough to beat Milwaukee’s string trimmer/edger combo. The trimmer is part of Milwaukee’s Quik-Lok series, which features a variety of attachments that can be attached to the trimmer.
In our tests, the M18 string trimmer cut clean grass and weedy areas with vines effectively. The combo kit comes with a high-capacity 8.0 Ah lithium-ion battery, and we could not tell the difference between the power created by this trimmer and our gas-powered model. The runtime was about 45 minutes, which was pretty good considering how much power the tool was generating, but it took almost 2 hours to recharge the battery. However, if you’re a Milwaukee tool user, you can swap in a battery from a different M18 tool to extend trimming time.
We also tested the lawn edger attachment, and the Quik-Lok system made it easy to switch back and forth between the two. The edger cut a clean line along a sidewalk or path, but the real star in our tests was the string-trimming function.
Its weight of 12.3 pounds is about average, but it’s not as well balanced as some models we tested. We found it caused shoulder and arm fatigue in about 15 to 20 minutes. Someone with more upper-body strength might not have any issues. The M18 is a great option for anyone who wants a powerful trimmer that won’t balk at weeds and vines.
Get the Milwaukee battery trimmer at The Home Depot.
Best Expandable
Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15" String Trimmer Kit
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Safety 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 40V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 11.8 pounds
What We Like
- Makes very crisp, clean cuts on lawn grass
- Well-balanced and ergonomic design minimizes user fatigue
- Compatible with Ryobi’s Expand-It line of attachments
What We Don’t Like
- Lackluster performance cutting through tough vines and weeds
Ryobi, a flagship brand from The Home Depot, is making a big splash in the lawn and garden tool industry. Its new 16-inch string trimmer stood out in our tests due to its ergonomic design and its knack for making ultraclean cuts on grass.
This Ryobi cordless weed eater weighs 11.1 pounds and is so well balanced that we didn’t experience any arm and shoulder fatigue, even after we’d used it for nearly half an hour. We tested it by trimming lawn grass and clearing weedy, viny spots. It excelled on grass but took a few passes to clear some of the heavier weeds. The bump-feed function on the trimmer is well designed, and it took only a gentle bump to feed out more line.
The battery fully charged in about 1.5 hours, and it ran for more than 45 minutes, which is long enough to trim unruly grasses and weeds in most yards.
The Ryobi string trimmer is an integral part of Ryobi’s Expand-It line of power garden and landscape tools. Ryobi has an attachment for virtually every outdoor need—such as a hedge trimmer, rubber broom, pole saw, blower, and a mini cultivator—and all attach to the string trimmer handle, making this one of the most versatile trimmers around.
Get the Ryobi battery trimmer at The Home Depot.
Best for Open Spaces
Greenworks 60V 17-Inch Brushless Battery Trimmer
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 60V 4.0Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 60 minutes
- Weight: 12 pounds
What We Like
- Powerful, ergonomic, and runs for a long time
- Generous 17-inch cutting swath
- Well-balanced trimmer; easy to maneuver
What We Don’t Like
- Wide swath may be cumbersome in narrow spaces
Greenworks is a relative newcomer to the power tool industry, but the brand has firmly established itself by manufacturing some of the best-performing battery-operated tools in recent years. The Greenworks 60V string trimmer is no exception—it is powerful and ergonomic, and it boasts a hefty runtime of up to 60 minutes on a single battery charge. Charging the battery takes less than 1.5 hours.
Offering comparable power to a gas string trimmer, this model features a generous 17-inch swath, making it well suited to quickly clearing large, open areas of weeds and overgrowth. In our tests, it cut lawn grass quickly, leaving a clean line. It also excelled in clearing out weeds and vines, which are normally fodder for a brush cutter. However, its wide swath can present a bit of a downside if you’re trying to clear away weeds between close-set trees or other items. We found ourselves needing to hold the cutting head at an odd angle to trim weeds between a tree trunk and a fence post.
The Greenworks string trimmer weighs 12 pounds, but it is well balanced and easy to maneuver in open areas. Its strong carbon-fiber shaft doesn’t add extra weight to the tool. We did find ourselves having to bump it two or three times to feed out more line, but that might have been our fault for not bumping it firmly enough at first. Toward the end of our testing, we started giving the head a firmer bump, and that seemed to solve the problem.
This trimmer is an excellent option for anyone who needs to clear large areas of weeds since its wide swath and powerful motor reduce work time. However, it may not be the best option for those who have many small details in the landscape that require a smaller trimmer.
Get the Greenworks battery trimmer at Tractor Supply Co. or Greenworks.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Trimmer
When shopping for string trimmers (also known as weed eaters), consider the yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. The following key considerations may help you further understand what qualities you’ll want to look for while searching for the best battery trimmer for your needs.
A reliable string trimmer is an investment that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. These yard care tools power a cutting head loaded with nylon string (instead of a fixed blade) to cleanly trim the grass at the edge of a lawn or mow down weedy areas. Though gas and electric models once dominated, new-and-improved battery trimmers don’t require mixing fuel or storing gasoline like gas string trimmers do, nor are they limited by the length of an extension cord, like corded electric string trimmers are.
Trim Width
Also called swath width, trim width indicates how wide a path the tool will cut through weeds in a single pass. Many cordless lawn trimmers on the market today feature swath widths of 10 to 18 inches. The wider the width, the more power the trimmer needs, which often means the tool will be heavier due to the larger, higher-capacity battery.
Battery Type
Running a string trimmer requires a hefty dose of power. Though most of today’s trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a few accept nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful, but NiCd batteries are less expensive (an average of $70 to $125 less). Lithium-ion batteries also are smaller, hold a charge longer, and provide full power throughout the discharge cycle.
NiCd batteries suffer from “memory effect,” meaning if the battery is used before it has fully charged—or if it’s recharged before its power depletes—it will “remember” the earlier charge level and won’t hold a longer charge in the future. If you opt for a trimmer with an NiCd battery, let it charge fully before use and drain completely before charging. For most users, a string trimmer with a lithium-ion battery will be the best choice.
Voltage
Along with battery type, consider how much operating power the battery has, which is measured in volts. Today’s rechargeable string trimmer batteries range from 18V to 80V of power. More powerful batteries at the high end often are intended for commercial use and can cost $200 or more per battery.
Some string trimmers in this category are sold without a battery (or battery charger), so the user must purchase one separately. Counterintuitively, this configuration could save you money—if you already own a cordless tool from the same brand, that tool’s battery may be compatible with the string trimmer, so you won’t have to pay extra for a battery you don’t need. However, purchasing a kit with multiple batteries can be convenient, ensuring you’ll always have a backup battery on hand.
Feed Type
A string trimmer’s feed type determines how the trimmer head will release additional trimmer line as the existing line becomes frayed and broken during use. The standard is a bump feed, in which the user bumps the bottom of the trimmer (the area where the spool attaches) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh weed eater line.
Some newer models feature an auto-feed sensor that gauges the length of the strings and releases more when needed. Others have a push button to release more line. Auto- and button-feeds eliminate the need to bump the spool, which can reduce the risk of damage if bumped too hard, but many commercial-type trimmers still use bump feed because it’s quick and easy.
Curved vs. Straight Shaft
Some grass and edge trimmers feature a straight shaft that runs from the handle to the cutting head, while others feature a distinct curve in the lower shaft about two-thirds of the way down. Some users find curved-shaft trimmers to be easier to operate since the spool end already rests at a handy angle for weed-wacking.
Straight-shaft trimmers may accommodate interchangeable tools, such as a tree trimmer head, which can be swapped out depending on the task at hand. Straight-shaft trimmers generally work better for users who are at least 6 feet tall, while shorter users will likely appreciate curved-shaft trimmers.
Noise
Battery-powered trimmers have a distinct advantage over gas-powered weed trimmers when it comes to noise pollution. Gas-powered trimmers are moderately loud, emitting an average of 90 decibels (about as loud as a motorcycle passing by from 25 feet away). By contrast, a cordless string trimmer emits approximately 77 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of lively conversation.
FAQs
Those still unsure how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful.
Yes, cordless electric grass trimmers can help you cut and control weed growth around the home and garden. However, light-duty trimmers may struggle with very dense weed growth.
A string trimmer can be used to cut grass, but you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to balance the trimmer. It isn’t the easiest way to cut the grass, but it is possible.
Yes, a string trimmer can be used to edge the garden, driveway, walkway, or sidewalk. However, if you have a large yard, investing in a separate edging tool may be better.
String trimmer batteries average from 18V up to 60V. Typically, the higher the voltage, the longer the battery life.
Hold the string trimmer perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. Position the head about 4 inches off the soil so the string has space to rotate. The string should rotate and cut through the grass and dirt. As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even. Clean up the cut grass and dirt to finish the job.
At the entry price point, corded string trimmers are more powerful than cordless. However, efficient brushless motors and sophisticated battery technology give premium battery-powered string trimmers a significant power advantage over their plug-in counterparts.
Meet the Testers
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools and other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.